After jetting into Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and driven to Legendary Lodge, a charming collection of cottages amid manicured gardens on the outskirts of Arusha.

Its laidback atmosphere is perfect to unwind from your journey and to prepare for tackling Africa’s highest peak.Depending on your schedule, you could mountain bike through aromatic coffee plantations, take game drives to nearby Arusha National Park and Ngurdoto Crater or work off some steam on the squash or tennis courts of a neighbouring country club.

After preparing and eagerly anticipating for a long time, the day of your climb has finally arrived. You will meet your logistics team and guides in Arusha and head to the starting point of the Lemosho route. On the first day of the climb, you will journey through the cool and humid afromontane forest and have the chance to spot black-and-white colobus monkeys. You will arrive at Forest Camp in the mid-afternoon, which will be your accommodation for the night.

The crew will swiftly set up camp, including your own private tent, and prepare dinner. You will have the opportunity to freshen up, admire the scenery, and appreciate the privilege of being in such a pristine location.

Following breakfast, you will bid farewell to the afromontane forest of Lemosho and begin a gradual ascent through podocarpus and juniper trees towards the heather zone on the Shira Plateau. The landscape will transform as you leave the trees behind and enter the open heath. Like the previous day, you will enjoy a picnic lunch while on the trail, and by mid-afternoon, you will reach Shira 1 Camp.

After two relatively easy-going days, today sees a significant gain in altitude as you ascend a steeper area of the Shira Plateau. With a steady pace, however, you should reach Shira 2 Camp in time for lunch, leaving you with plenty of time to acclimatize to the reduced oxygen levels. It is worth accompanying your guides on the optional afternoon walk to a slightly higher point and then back down again as this will help your body adapt even more.

The journey continues from the heather zone to the alpine desert, which is different from traditional deserts as it receives little rain and has minimal vegetation and wildlife. However, the temperature can drop significantly during the day, and it may be necessary to wear warmer clothing. Lunch will be served in the camp’s mess tent, and if the weather permits, you may choose to climb Lava Tower in the afternoon. Climbing Lava Tower is optional.

Compared to the previous two days, the hike to Karanga camp will be longer, and you may not arrive until late afternoon. Karanga camp is known for its breathtaking sunsets and stunning views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields that tower over a thousand meters (about 3,000ft) above the campsite.

As you approach the summit, you may face strong winds. Today’s hike to Barafu Camp will be a half-day to allow for sufficient time for acclimatization. From Barafu Camp, you can admire the impressive views of the rugged and sharp Mount Mawenzi during the evening.

Today marks the beginning of your ascent to the summit, and the high altitude may cause your progress to slow. However, your expert team will keep a close eye on your pace and monitor your wellbeing. By noon, you should arrive at the rim of Kibo Crater, giving you ample time to descend into the caldera and take acclimatization walks in the afternoon. Kibo Crater Camp will be your accommodation for the night.

On the ninth day of your Kilimanjaro trek, you will realize the advantage of choosing an extended route that allows you ample time for acclimatization. After spending a night at a high altitude in Kibo Crater, you only need to cover a short distance of about an hour to reach the summit just in time for the stunning sunrise above the clouds. The elation of standing on the highest point in Africa will be amplified as you make your way down to Mweka Camp and feel the increase in oxygen levels, leading to a sense of immense joy and wellbeing. You will descend through the heath zone, where you can spot endemic proteas and flitting malachite sunbirds. Your last night on Kilimanjaro will likely be spent reflecting on the past week, with its literal and figurative challenges of ascending and descending the world’s highest freestanding mountain.

On the last day of your Kilimanjaro trek, savor a hearty breakfast before retracing your steps through the lush afromontane forest towards your initial starting point, where you began your journey eight days ago. You will say your goodbyes to the crew, which may bring some emotions, and this is also an opportune time to express your appreciation through tips and kind words. Finally, you will hop on your transfer vehicle and return to Legendary Lodge where you can indulge in a cozy bed and refreshing shower for a peaceful overnight stay.

After enjoying a satisfying breakfast with delicious Tanzanian coffee, it’s time to say goodbye to the staff at Legendary Lodge and get ready for your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. For those who have just completed the grueling nine-day trek, it is a common choice to head to the tropical island of Zanzibar for some well-deserved relaxation in the sun, sand, and sea, which is a perfect contrast to the colder weather experienced during the Kilimanjaro climb.